Joshua 1:1
Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying,
After the death of Moses
This phrase marks a significant transition in the narrative of Israel's history. Moses, whose name in Hebrew is "Moshe," was the great leader and prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt. His death signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Historically, Moses' death would have been a moment of uncertainty for the Israelites, as he was the mediator of God's covenant and the one who received the Law. The phrase underscores the continuity of God's plan despite human mortality.

the servant of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "servant" is "eved," which implies a position of honor and dedication. Moses is described as a servant of Yahweh, highlighting his faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. This title is significant because it sets a standard for leadership in Israel; true leaders are those who serve God and His people. The phrase also emphasizes the intimate relationship Moses had with God, serving as a model for Joshua and future leaders.

the LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters represents the divine name "Yahweh," the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The use of "Yahweh" here reassures the Israelites that the same God who was with Moses will now be with Joshua, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises.

said to Joshua
The Hebrew name "Yehoshua" means "Yahweh is salvation." Joshua's name itself is a testament to his role as a deliverer and leader under God's guidance. The act of God speaking to Joshua indicates divine endorsement and the transfer of leadership. It is a moment of divine commissioning, where God directly communicates His will, providing assurance and authority to Joshua.

son of Nun
This phrase identifies Joshua's lineage, grounding him in the history and community of Israel. Nun, his father, is mentioned to establish Joshua's heritage and legitimacy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lineage was crucial for establishing one's identity and role within the community. It also connects Joshua to the previous generation that experienced the Exodus and the wilderness journey.

Moses’ assistant
The Hebrew word for "assistant" is "mesharet," which implies a close, personal service. Joshua served as Moses' aide, learning from him and observing his leadership. This role prepared Joshua for his future responsibilities. The phrase highlights the importance of mentorship and discipleship in leadership development. Joshua's experience as an assistant provided him with the necessary skills and understanding to lead the people effectively.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
Known as the servant of the LORD, Moses was the leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them through the wilderness. His death marks a significant transition in Israel's history.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks directly to Joshua, indicating divine guidance and authority.

3. Joshua
The son of Nun, who served as Moses' assistant. He is chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into this land.
Teaching Points
Leadership Transition
God prepares leaders for His people. Just as Joshua was prepared under Moses, God prepares us for roles He calls us to.

Divine Calling
Joshua's calling was specific and clear. We should seek God's guidance and confirmation in our own callings and responsibilities.

Faithfulness in Service
Joshua served faithfully as Moses' assistant before becoming a leader. Faithfulness in small roles prepares us for greater responsibilities.

God's Unchanging Purpose
Despite the death of Moses, God's plan for Israel continued. God's purposes are not thwarted by human limitations or changes.

Courage and Obedience
As we see in the following verses, Joshua is called to be strong and courageous. Our obedience to God requires courage, especially in times of transition.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transition from Moses to Joshua demonstrate God's faithfulness in leadership succession?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for future roles of leadership or service, as Joshua did under Moses?

3. How can we discern God's specific calling in our lives, similar to how Joshua received his calling?

4. What are some examples in your life where you have seen God's purposes continue despite changes or challenges?

5. How can the principles of courage and obedience in Joshua's life be applied to current challenges you face?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 34
Describes the death of Moses and the transition of leadership to Joshua, providing context for Joshua 1:1.

Exodus 24:13
Highlights Joshua's role as Moses' assistant, showing his long-standing position of service and preparation for leadership.

Numbers 27:18-23
God instructs Moses to commission Joshua as his successor, indicating divine approval and preparation for Joshua's leadership.

Hebrews 3:5-6
Compares Moses as a faithful servant in God's house to Christ as the Son over God's house, illustrating the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan.
The New Leaders CommissionAlexander MaclarenJoshua 1:1
Consolation for Bereaved WorkersE. De Pressense Joshua 1:1, 2
A Dauntless SpiritHandbook of IllustrationJoshua 1:1-9
A Good Working BibleHome Messenger.Joshua 1:1-9
A Great PromiseG. Clayton, M. A.Joshua 1:1-9
A Great PromiseHomilistJoshua 1:1-9
A Great -Promise and a Stirring ExhortationA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:1-9
An Inspiring PresenceJ. Robertson.Joshua 1:1-9
Christian FortitudeD. Featley, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Courage NecessaryJoshua 1:1-9
Death and its LessonsDean Vaughan.Joshua 1:1-9
Death Enters into God's PlansW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Death Makes Room for OthersJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Dignity of God's ServiceJoshua 1:1-9
FootholdH. Macmillan, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
God with the GoodD. Featley, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
God with Us Through LifeA London Clergyman.Joshua 1:1-9
God's Revealed Wilt the Only Safe Rule for All Individual GuidanceR. Shittler.Joshua 1:1-9
God's Strength Made Perfect in Human WeaknessF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua on the MarchT. De Witt Talmage.Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua the Successor of MosesJ. Waite Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua. Successor, to MosesSermons by the Monday ClubJoshua 1:1-9
Joshua's ObedienceJoshua 1:1-9
MeditationJoshua 1:1-9
Meditation and ObedienceJ. C. Miller, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Moses and JoshuaC. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Obedience the Condition of VictorySpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 1:1-9
Onward, Through, and OverJ. J. Wray.Joshua 1:1-9
Ownership and PossessionW. H. P. Faunce.Joshua 1:1-9
PromotionChristian World PulpitJoshua 1:1-9
Something to be Done to Gain PossessionH . Macmillan, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Strength and CourageW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Strengthening Medicine for God's ServantsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 1:1-9
Taking Possession of Our InheritanceSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 1:1-9
The Campaign CommencedG. W. Butler, M. A.Joshua 1:1-9
The Charge to the Soldier of the LordA. Maclaren, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
The Christian's LawJ. C. Miller, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
The Commission for the ConquestA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:1-9
The Commission of JoshuaDavid O. Mears.Joshua 1:1-9
The Death of the Old LawgiverA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:1-9
The Land of the HittitesW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
The New LeaderA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:1-9
The Presence of the MasterJoshua 1:1-9
The Prosperous WayJ. C. Miller, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
The Right People for the LandW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
The Sources of Joshua's StrengthF. B. Meyer, . B. A.Joshua 1:1-9
The Strength and Courage Needed .For Common LifeA. Raleigh,D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
Victory AssuredF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 1:1-9
Whom Do I Succeed?J. Parker, D. D.Joshua 1:1-9
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Aide, Attendant, Death, Helper, Joshua, Minister, Moses's, Nun, Pass, Saying, Servant, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:1-2

     5103   Moses, significance
     7160   servants of the Lord
     8344   servanthood, in believers

Joshua 1:1-4

     5704   inheritance, material

Joshua 1:1-6

     7258   promised land, early history

Joshua 1:1-9

     5548   speech, divine
     7125   elect, the

Library
The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Finding of Moses
Many long years had passed since the days when Joseph's brothers and their families had settled in the land of Egypt. They were a great nation in numbers now, but the Egyptians still ruled over them, and used them as servants. The Pharaoh who had been so kind to the shepherds from Canaan was dead long ago, and the new kings, or Pharaohs as they were called, hated foreigners, and began to treat the Israelites very harshly. There were too many of them, they said; it was dangerous to have so many strong,
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way."
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Routing of Giant Doubt
THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! doubts! Just a company of them around me all the time worse than Job's miserable comforters. What can I do with them? I should like to dismiss them, but it seems I can not. They make me much trouble, but it seems I can not get them to leave me. Especially are the doubts concerning my entire consecration aggravating, and those, too, concerning my entire cleansing. I fear to come out boldly and declare that I believe that Christ fully saves me now. I believe
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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